Minimum Wage Increase in Manitoba: An Employer’s Guide

The hourly minimum wage in Manitoba increased to $15.30 from $14.15 on October 1, 2023. Manitoba’s minimum wage increases on October 1 every year based on the province’s Consumer Price Index.

Manitoba government announces more minimum wage increases for 2023

On November 18, 2022, the Manitoba government announced a formal plan to increase the minimum wage over the next year to cope with inflation and rising costs in the province. On Dec 1, 2022, Manitoba passed the Minimum Wage Adjustment Act which will raise the minimum hourly wage to $14.15 on April 1, 2023. On October 1, 2023, the second phase of the plan will further increase the minimum wage to $15.30.

What is minimum wage?

The minimum wage is the lowest wage an employer can pay their employees. A province’s minimum wage rate is outlined in its employment standards legislation. Employers are free to pay more if they wish to, but they cannot pay staff less than the provincial minimum wage. Employees working in federally regulated industries, such as banks, postal services, railways, etc., receive the federal minimum wage.

Does the $15.30 per hour minimum wage apply to all jobs?

Yes. The minimum wage applies to all employees irrespective of their age or hours of work as long as they are covered by provincial employment standards. This includes part-time employees, incentive workers (commission salespeople, flat-rate mechanics), residential construction workers, and children 13 years of age and above.

Some employees are excluded from minimum wage. These are:

• Domestic workers working for less than 12 hours a week
• Those in an approved provincial or federal training program
• Election officials, enumerators and any other temporary person appointed under The Elections Act

There are separate minimum wage requirements for the heavy construction sector and the industrial, commercial, and institutional (ICI) sectors of the construction industry.

Background on Manitoba’s minimum wage increases

Manitoba’s minimum wage will increase by a dollar and fifteen cents, from $14.15 to $15.30, on October 1, 2023:

April 1, 2023: $14.15

October 1, 2022: $13.50

October 1, 2021: $11.95

October 1, 2020: $11.90

October 1, 2019: $11.65

October 1, 2018: $11.35

October 1, 2017: $11.15

October 1, 2015: $11.00

October 1, 2014: $10.70

October 1, 2013: $10.45

October 1, 2012: $10.25

October 1, 2011: $10.00

What are my obligations as an employer regarding minimum wage?

Provincially regulated employers will be required to pay their minimum wage workers the correct minimum wage ($15.30 per hour) from October 1, 2023. They should update their employment contracts and employee handbooks to reflect the same.

Employers should note that they can charge an employee (with their consent) for accommodation and meals. But the cost they deduct from the employee’s salary cannot reduce employee earnings below minimum wage for the pay period by more than $7 per week for the lodging and by more than $1 for every meal.

What are some things to keep in mind when employing young people?

Employers should know that they cannot employ children under 13 years of age. They must also follow the rules on the hours of work and types of work young people under 18 are allowed to do. Young people in Manitoba are required to complete the Young Worker Readiness Certificate Course before starting employment. Young workers must provide their employers with a certificate of completion signed by the parent or guardian before starting work.

Do you have questions about paying minimum wage?

Our experts can help you with any questions related to employee pay and assist you with any HR, health & safety, and employment advice you may need.

As a trusted HR and health & safety consulting company, Peninsula serves over 5,000 small businesses across Canada. Peninsula’s clients receive ongoing updates of their workplace documentation and policies as legislation changes. They also benefit from 24/7 employer HR advice and are supported by legal assistance.

To learn more about how our services can benefit your business, call an expert today at (833) 247-3652.